Sabarimala Gold Probe: TDB Vigilance Finds Businessman Unnikrishnan Potty Lacked Permanent Income, Named First Accused

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Vigilance probe report has revealed that Bengaluru-based businessman Unnikrishnan Potty, who sponsored multiple gold-cladding works in the Sabarimala temple had no identifiable permanent source of income, PTI reported.

According to the final report, Potty’s income tax records for 2017–2025, accessed via his chartered accountant, showed no stable financial base.

The report, submitted to the Kerala High Court following its directive for a preliminary inquiry, noted that in 2025–26, Rs 10.85 lakh was credited to his account from Kamakshi Enterprises under the category “Other Social or Community Service.”

The Vigilance has now sought a comprehensive investigation into the various sponsorships attributed to Potty at Sabarimala, concluding that several works credited to him were actually financed by other individuals.

The gold-plating and repair of the Sreekovil door, for instance, were reportedly funded by Ballari-based businessman Govardanan, while the cladding of the door frame was sponsored by another Bengaluru businessman, Ajikumar.

Another inconsistency found in the probe was that despite his questionable income sources, Potty made several high-value contributions to the temple, including Rs 10 lakh for a lift at the Annadhana Mandapam, Rs 6 lakh for Annadhanam, and earlier donations of Rs 8.2 lakh, 17 tonnes of rice, and 30 tonnes of vegetables in 2017.

The Vigilance report also identified procedural lapses by nine TDB officials who, in 2019, handed over gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates to Potty.

Following the High Court’s directions, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and has now registered two cases — concerning missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the Sreekovil door frames.

Potty has been named the first accused in both, alongside several Devaswom officials accused of negligence.

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